International Student Portal
Most immigration forms and requests for Cal State LA F-1 and J-1 students are submitted through the International Student Portal.
The portal allows you to submit requests, upload supporting documents, monitor your request, and access immigration documents issued by the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO).
Important: Use MyCalStateLA to Sign In
On the International Student Portal login page, select MyCalStateLA and sign in using your Cal State LA credentials.
Do not select the separate Portal Login option unless ISSO has specifically instructed you to use it.
How to Submit a Request
- Open the International Student Portal.
- Select MyCalStateLA and sign in with your Cal State LA credentials.
- Open the Control Center.
- Under What can we help you with?, select the request you need.
- Complete the required questions and upload any requested documentation.
- Review your information and select Submit.
You can also reach the International Student Portal through MyCalStateLA under the Academics section.
Common Requests Available in the Portal
The requests available to you may vary depending on your immigration status and where you are in your academic program.
Enrollment & Academic Status
- Reduced Course Load
- Program Extension
- Dual Registration / Concurrent Enrollment
- SEVIS Transfer Release
Employment & Practical Training
- On-Campus Employment Verification
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- STEM OPT Extension
Travel & Immigration Documents
- Travel Requests and Travel Signatures
- F-1 Status Verification Letters
- DMV Letter Requests
Reduced Course Load: Request Approval Before Dropping
F-1 and J-1 students should not drop below the enrollment required for their immigration status before receiving the appropriate authorization from ISSO. Submitting a Reduced Course Load request does not itself mean the request has been approved.
Before Submitting a CPT Request
New Curricular Practical Training (CPT) requests are currently limited to practical training that is required by the student's degree or academic program as part of the established curriculum.
An internship does not qualify for CPT simply because academic credit is available. Optional internships, internship electives, and optional internship tracks are not currently eligible for new CPT authorization at Cal State LA.
Eligible students must attend a CPT information session before submitting a CPT request.
Program Extension Requests
If you will not complete your academic or exchange program by the program end date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, contact ISSO and begin the appropriate extension process before your current program end date.
The DHS final rule changing F-1 and J-1 Duration of Status is currently scheduled to take effect September 15, 2026. Depending on your immigration circumstances, future program extensions may involve additional federal Extension of Stay requirements.
After You Submit a Request
Please Allow Up to 14 Business Days for Processing
ISSO generally processes submitted requests within 14 business days. Business days do not include weekends, University holidays, or campus closures.
Processing may take longer if required information or documentation is missing. Please submit requests as early as possible and avoid submitting duplicate requests while your original request is under review.
ISSO Reviews Your Request
ISSO will review the information and documentation you submitted. Requests are processed in the order received.
Watch for Follow-Up
If additional information or documentation is needed, ISSO will contact you through your Cal State LA email or the International Student Portal. Your request may not be completed until the requested information is received.
Retrieve Your Document
When an approved request results in a new or updated immigration document, it will be available in the Documents section of your International Student Portal.
Submit the Correct Request Before Taking Action
Some immigration actions require approval or authorization before you change enrollment, begin employment, transfer your SEVIS record, travel, or allow an immigration document to expire. If you are unsure which request applies to your situation, contact ISSO before taking action.
Ready to Submit a Request?
Sign in with your MyCalStateLA credentials and open the Control Center.
Need Help?
If you cannot find the request you need in the International Student Portal, are unsure which request to submit, or have a question about your immigration situation, contact the International Students & Scholars Office.
International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO)
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4503
Phone: 323-343-3170